Louis Renault, the founder of the French automobile company that bears his name, died in prison on this day in 1944 at age 67.
The Frenchman found himself behind bars after being named as a suspected Nazi collaborator, a charge he denied. The circumstances leading up to his arrest and death remain mysterious, but he cemented his legacy in the auto industry long before the rise of the Nazi party.
The first Renault car
Louis Renault, born in 1877, build his first car in 1898 with the help of two hired workers. Dubbed the Voiturette, the car featured a De Dion-Bouton 1 cylinder engine, giving the car a top speed of about 20 miles per hour. After demonstrating the vehicle could maneuver hilly roads without issue on Christmas Eve of 1898, he received 13 orders. A friend of Louis father purchased that first car, paving the way for production for the rest. After officially founding the company that would become the Renault known today in 1899, he continued to build Voiturette cars until 1903. As each year passed, he added new features to the car, such as a roof and doors. This was the early days of the automobile after all.
The last iteration of the Voiturette was the Type G. It featured semi-elliptical springs that gave the car a rather comfortable ride for the era. It also had a highly engineered water cooling system that reduced the operating temperature of the 8 horsepower De Dion-Bouton engine. That same year, Renault would begin to manufacture its own engines. Orders for cars soon began to flow in, including a large purchase of taxis that would roam French streets. In 1908 Renault had its biggest year yet, producing 3,575 cars.
Renault in WWI
Following a trip to the US to visit Henry Ford in Detroit in 1911, Renault instituted a variety of manufacturing techniques that would bolster production. By 1913 he had mastered mass production at his plant, just in time for World War I. Like most industrial companies of the era and area, civilian production ceased so munitions and other military equipment could be manufactured. During the war Renault built airplane engines, trucks and tanks.
In peacetime, Renault began producing more commercial vehicles and agricultural agreement. It struggled to produce a successful affordable vehicle for the French people. This led to Citroen, Renault’s fiercest rival, overtaking it as the largest French automobile company by the late 1920s. All the while, Renault churned out Grand Renault automobiles. As the name suggests, they were quite grand. However, in the midst of the Great Depression, Citroen faced major financial hardship and went bankrupt, relieving the production title back to Renault as it became a part of Michelin.
As the global financial crisis grasped the French auto industry, so did labor disputes just prior to World War II. Renault eventually fired more than 2,000 workers. During this era, Renault remained in complete control of his company and continued to invent new automobile systems. Some, such as hydraulic shocks and certain drum brakes, remain in use to this day by modern automakers. Then war found its way to France once again.
Louis Renault in WWII
in 1940, while Renault was in the USA to ask for tanks the Germans invaded. He returned to find the Franco-German armistice in place. Renault ultimately had to decide if he would have his factories dismantled and moved to Germany or if he would continue production for the Nazis in France. He chose the latter going to work for the French Vichy, the new independent government of France with strong ties to the Nazis. In Renault’s words, he kept his factories active he would prevent thousands of French from being transported to Nazi Germany. His company went on to produce more than 30,000 vehicles for the Nazis.
Just three weeks after the liberation of France in 1944 Renault was arrested on charges of industrial collaboration with the Nazis. By that time, Renault’s health had been greatly diminished. Despite his frail state he found himself in Paris’ Fresnes Prison. As his mental and physical state continued to decline he was moved to a hospital and then a nursing home. He died there after claiming to have been mistreated at Fresnes. No autopsy was completed at the time and uremia was listed as the cause of death. More than ten years later his wife would claim he died after being beaten by guards.
His body would later be exhumed and he’d be found to have a broken vertebrae. However, his family’s claims went unheard. For decades his heirs would fight to restore his name and claim that his company was illegally confiscated. Court battles continued as late as 2011 in which his family sought damages for the death of Louis Renault and the nationalization of Renault.(automotivehistory,motorssportplus)
Hrvatski glavni grad Zagreb bio je u lipnju turistička destinacija koja je ponudila najbolju vrijednost u odnosu na cijenu, izvijestila je kompanija za analizu podataka u turizmu Mabrian, uzevši u obzir 14 gradova u Europi.
Rim Cafe, 38 Rue Saint Séverin, 75005 Paris, France.,Author Connie Ma, Wikipedia
"Premda je to destinacija među najlošije pozicioniranima kada je riječ o zrakoplovnim vezama, posjetitelji su iskazali visoki stupanj zadovoljstva u većini analiziranih područja", priopćila je kompanija sa sjedištem u Barceloni. "Istovremeno, (Zagreb) nudi jako konkurentnu cijenu smještaja u odnosu na druge analizirane destinacije", dodala je.
Ljubljana, glavni grad Slovenije, našla se na trećem mjestu u toj studiji dok su se na začelju ljestvice našli London, Barcelona i Pariz. "London i Pariz, premda s dobrim zračnim vezama, kažnjeni su zbog jako visokih cijena hotelskog smještaja", navedeno je.
Dubrovnik na 9. mjestu
Dubrovnik, primorski grad na jugu Hrvatske, zauzeo je 9. mjesto među 14 gradova.
"Dubrovnik je među destinacijama s najvišom razinom zadovoljstva među analiziranim destinacijama, međutim prosječna cijena hotela je jako visoka a povezanost zračnim prijevozom ograničena, što ga svrstava na devetu poziciju", navela je kompanija Mabrian.
Najbolje turističke gradove, kada se uzme u obzir kvaliteta u odnosu na cijenu, poredala je ovim redom: Zagreb (Hrvatska), Atena (Grčka), Ljubljana (Slovenija), Rim (Italija), Beč (Austrija), Lisabon (Portugal), Madrid (Španjolska), Milan (Italija), Dubrovnik (Hrvatska), Berlin (Njemačka), Amsterdam (Nizozemska), Pariz (Francuska), Barcelona (Španjolska) i London (Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo).
Najsigurniji Dubrovnik
U istoj studiji je indeks percepcije sigurnosti pokazao da su se u lipnju posjetitelji najsigurnije osjećali u Dubrovniku i Lisabonu, a zatim u Milanu i Madridu. Na dnu su Berlin, Barcelona i Beč.
"Rastući je trend potražnje za manje napučenim i više autentičnim destinacijama", izjavio je Carlos Cendra, direktor Mabrianovog odjela za prodaju i marketing.
"Zbog tog razloga su zemlje poput Hrvatske i Slovenije, sa svojim glavnim gradovima, visoko vrednovane destinacije. One imaju ravnotežu između sigurnosti, razne ponude aktivnosti i atraktivne prosječne cijene", dodao je.(Hina)
PARIZ je otkazao novogodišnji vatromet i druga događanja na Elizejskim poljanama, u skladu s novim mjerama vlade za sprječavanje širenja omikron varijante koronavirusa, izvijestila je televizija BFM u subotu.
Foto:Getty images
Francuski premijer Jean Castex u petak je objavio da se zabranjuju veća javna događanja i vatromet za novogodišnju noć te je preporučio da stanovnici, čak i ako su cijepljeni, naprave test na covid-19 prije novogodišnjih tuluma.
Danas je Castex izjavio kako se omikron širi brzinom munje te da će u Francuskoj vjerojatno postati dominantan već do početka sljedeće godine.
Francuska je u petak imala 58.128 novih slučajeva zaraze, s 162 umrlih, pokazuju službeni podaci.
MAČ koji je nosio Napoleon Bonaparte kada je izvršio državni udar 1799. i pet drugih komada njegovog oružja prodani su na dražbi u SAD-u za više od 2.8 milijuna dolara.
Predmeti koje je ponudila dražbovna kuća Rock Island Auction Company sa sjedištem u Illinoisu prodani su 3. prosinca telefonom kupcu koji je ostao anoniman, rekao je za AFP predsjednik tvrtke Kevin Hogan.
Anonimni kupac sad posjeduje rijetku povijesnu stvar
Vrijednost mača i pet ukrašenih pištolja bila je procijenjena na 1.5 do 3.5 milijuna dolara. Za 2.87 milijuna dolara "kupac Napoleonove kolekcije nosi kući vrlo rijedak dio povijesti", rekao je Hogan.
Mač je s koricama bio "krunski dragulj" kolekcije, tvrde aukcionari. Oružje je izradio Nicolas-Noel Boutet, koji je bio tadašnji upravitelj državne tvornice oružja u Versaillesu.
Vjeruje se da je nakon krunjenja za cara Napoleon poklonio mač generalu Jean-Andocheu Junotu, ali ga je generalova žena kasnije bila prisiljena prodati kako bi otplatila dugove. Pronašao ga je londonski muzej. Američki kolekcionar bio je njegov zadnji vlasnik, ali muškarac je nedavno umro, prema aukcijskoj kući.
Slavni Korzikanac jedna je od osoba u francuskoj povijesti koja izaziva najveće podjele jer su njegovu ogromnom doprinosu stvaranju moderne države suprotstavljeni njegov imperijalizam i ratnohuškačko ponašanje.(Hina)
Svaki posjet dvorcu u Versaillesu je specifičan na svoj način pa je i ovaj puta bio.
Pored samog dvorca i vrtova ovaj puta smo se odlučili posjetiti i Selo kraljice Marije Antoanete koji se nalazi nekoliko kilometera od samog dvorca u blizini manjeg i većega dvorca Trianon.
Dolazi se iz smjera Versailleske palače preko vrtova prema velikom Trianonu te prema malom Trianonskom dvorcu.
Zanimljiva opcija jer je moguće a na kraju vrtova kog Grand Kanala iznajmiti električno golf vozilo koje uvelike pomaže u obilasku.
Ili malo duže i pješke preko mjesta Versailles dugom avenijom oko 1.5 km i na kraljičin ulaz se ulazi.
Ulaznice možete kupiti i on line:
Ako želite posjetiti samo Trianon i Selo kraljice Marije Antoanete kartu možete kupiti preko linka on line:
A samo selo je nastalo tako što je 1783. kraljica Marija-Antoaneta odlučila proširiti sjeverni dio vrtova Trianon. Tom prigodom je naručila je od arhitekta Richarda Miquea da izgradi zaselak, selo oko jezera. Sačinjen od deset malih kuća rustikalnog izgleda, koje je inspirirano slikovitim arhitektonskim crtežima slikara Huberta Roberta . To je bio dio okusa povratka prirodi, a veliki trend tada krajem 18. stoljeća.
Središnji dio zaselka rezerviran je za upotrebu kraljice. Tri kuće zauzimaju ovaj dio a centralna Kraljičina kuća, najimpozantnija je građevina zaselka. Ima dvije zasebne građevine povezane galerijom. Desno je kraljičina kuća, a lijevo biljarnica. Rustikalni vanjski izgled kuća u suprotnosti je s profinjenošću unutarnjih ukrasa.
Mlin, golubarnik, čuvarska kuća, staja, mljekara, toranj i farma te Marlborough toranj koriste se za poljoprivredne aktivnosti ili usluge. Tamo je smješteno nekoliko ljudi, poput glavnog vrtlara ili stražara koji pazi na sigurnost kraljice.
Disneyland Paris has closed and reopened multiple times since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo: Wikipedia
Guests are required to wear masks, but they may now temporarily remove them at selfie spots with characters and PhotoPass locations.
In addition to masks, guests 12 and older are currently required to have a Health Pass, as mandated by the France president. The Health Pass must show a negative COVID-19 test result from the past 48 hours, a positive COVID-19 test result between two weeks and six months ago, or a COVID-19 vaccination.
Like a number of cities around the world, Paris has recently adopted the system of a City Pass for tourists. The City Pass gives you direct access to the local museums without having to queue to get in, as well as obtaining unlimited access to public transport. Two different passes are available – the Paris PassLib’ and the Paris Museum Pass. To help you decide which one to chose, France Hotel Guide gives you its advice in this article on the pros and cons of each pass.
The Paris Museum Pass
The Paris Museum Pass is essentially a queue ticket to visit Paris’ monuments and museums.
Available over 2, 4 or 6 days, it guarantees you quick access to 60 essential monuments in Paris and the Paris region.
You can visit the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre or Versailles or the Château de Chantilly.
The Museum Pass can be ordered online and can be picked up at the Paris Tourist Office. You can buy it in advance and activate it whenever you want.
Please note, however, that the days of use must be consecutive and cannot be spread over several visits.
Also pay attention to the opening days of the museums when preparing your visits (many museums are closed on Tuesdays, for example).
Moreover, do not forget that transport is not included and that you must add the price of subway tickets.
Gratuity: For young people under 26 years of age from the European Union, and all young people under 18 years of age, most museums within the Ile de France are free. If you fall into this category, it is not necessary for you to purchase a Museum Pass. Please also note that no refund is given in case of the loss or theft of your pass.
What we like: Visits to more than 60 museums in Paris and the Paris region, free for those under 26 and 18 years of age
What we like a little less: Non-refundable tickets, transport not included
With the Paris Museum Pass: 2 days Pass: €48 4 days Pass: €62 6 days Pass: €74
Access via public transport:
SUBWAYS Line 1, Saint-Paul le Marais and Hôtel de ville Line 11, Hôtel de ville
RER RER A, B and D, Châtelet les Halles
BUS Bus 76 and 67, Hotel De Ville De Paris 4Ème Arrondissement Bus 38, Châtelet
The Paris PassLib’
The Paris PassLib’ is, in a way, the top-of-the-range version of the Museum Pass.
Available in 2, 3 or 5-day options, it includes a Museum Pass that gives you access to most museums in Paris and the Paris region, but it also includes unlimited transport (bus, metro and RER), a cruise on the Seine, an Open-Tour day on Hop-On Hop-Off buses, discounts at Galeries Lafayette and a Paris guide.
Depending on the option selected, it is the combination of the Museum Pass and the Paris Visite, or simply the Paris PassLib’ Mini.
The Paris Pass Lib’ Mini only has the Pass Lib’ card (1 hour of boat cruise and 1 day by panoramic bus) and the visit of the Eiffel Tower with access to the 2nd floor for an additional 2€20 and is only valid for one day.
With the Paris Passlib’ card, you will have:
A 70-minute cruise on the Seine with comments in 25 languages
3 Open Tour itineraries for one day
Access to temporary exhibitions at the city’s 11 museums, except the Catacombs and the city’s archaeological crypt.
With the Paris Visite card, you will have unlimited access to transport (bus, metro, tramway and RER) from Paris for the duration of your stay.
With the Paris Museum Pass, you will have access to permanent exhibitions in 60 museums and monuments in Paris and the Paris region.
When you have placed your order, you will be entitled to a map of Paris and a free user guide.
Gratuity: Most museums in Ile de France are free for young people under 26 years of age from the European Union. If you are in this category, it may not be necessary for you to purchase a PassLib’. Also, don’t forget that some museums and monuments are free on the first Sunday of each month. For more information, visit the site here. The Paris PassLib’ can be ordered on the website but must be picked up at the Paris Tourist Office.
What we like: Visits to more than 60 museums in Paris and the Paris region, free for those under 26 and 18 years old, transport included.
What we like a little less: Non-refundable tickets.
Information : Office de Tourisme de Paris: 25 Rue des Pyramides – 75001 Paris
Prices: Mini Pass: €40 per adult, €26 per child 2 days Pass: €109 per adult, €35 per child 3 days Pass: €129 per adult, €39 per child 5 days Pass: €155 per adulte, €47 per child
Access via public transport: Metro Line 1, Saint-Paul le Marais and Hôtel de ville Line 11, Hôtel de ville
RER RER A, B and D, Station Châtelet les Halles
BUS Bus 76 and 67, Hotel De Ville De Paris 4ème Arrondissement Bus 38 Châtelet
Comparison of Paris PassLib’ and Paris Museum Pass
Paris PassLib’
Paris Museum Pass
Priority access
Yes
Yes
Unlimited transports
Yes
No
Cruise on the Seine
Yes
No
Unlimited Open Tour for 1 day
Yes
No
Discount in the Galleries Lafayette
Yes
No
Paris Guide book
Yes
No
Price
2 days: €109
3 days: €129
5 days: €155
2 days: €48
4 days: €63
6 days: €77
Following the recent announcement regarding mandatory Health Passes from French President Emmanual Macron, Disneyland Paris had announced they would be adjusting their operations. Disneyland Paris has confirmed that a Health Pass will be mandatory for guests aged 18 and older starting July 21. Guests aged 12 – 17 will need a Health Pass beginning August 30.
Photo: Wikipedia
"Following an announcement from the French government, as of 21st July, a Health Pass will be required for guests aged 18 and older to visit Disneyland Paris.
The Health Pass must show a negative COVID-19 test result from the past 48 hours, a positive COVID-19 test result between two weeks and six months ago, or a COVID-19 vaccination.
Francuska je strože korona mjere uvela u listopadu prošle godine, a tek je prvi puta ove nedjelje zabilježen najmanji broj umrlih od strogog zatvaranja. Prema podatcima ministarstva zdravstva u nedjelju je umrlo 113 pacijenata.
Prema službenim podatcima u nedjelju je u Francuskoj zabilježeno 9888 novih zaraženih. Prema tome Francuska je četvrta zemlja u svijetu po broju zaraženih. Od početka pandemije umrlo je 104. 819 ljudi.
Predsjednik Francuske Emmanuel Macron u petak je najavio ublažavanje mjera kroz četiri faze. Takva odluka proizilazi iz teških gospodarskih prilika. Najprije se ukida ograničenje kretanja od 10 km od mjesta stanovanja i djelomično otvoriti škole. Osnovne škole već održavaju nastavu u razredima.
Od 19 svibnja, kada se otvara i Austrija, Francuska će otvoriti restorane i kafiće.
Osim višetjedne karantene, Francuska je ubrzala kampanju cijepljenja. Ministarstvo zdravstva je u nedjelju objavilo da je 15,8 milijuna ili 23,7 posto stanovništva primilo prvu dozu cjepiva a 6,5 milijuna ili 9,4 posto je primilo obje doze.
FRANCUSKA će zbog soja covida-19 koji se pojavio u Indiji uvesti nova ograničenja ulaska putnicima iz te zemlje, rekao je danas vladin dužnosnik.
Od subote će se u Francuskoj početi provoditi već prije određena ograničenja za Brazil, Argentinu, Čile i Južnu Afriku, piše AFP.
Gabriel Attal, glasnogovornik vlade, također je potvrdio da će Francuska, kako je planirano, 3. svibnja ukinuti zabranu domaćih putovanja, ali će ostaviti policijski noćni sat koji je na snazi od 19 do 6 sati ujutro. Sve neesencijalne trgovine, koje su zatvorene početkom travnja, neće se otvoriti prije sredine svibnja, rekao je. Karantena, policijske provjere i dva testa
Francuska je početkom ovog mjeseca obustavila sve letove iz Brazila u pokušaju da zaustavi širenje nove varijante covida-19 pronađene u toj južnoameričkoj zemlji. U subotu će se ta privremena mjera zamijeniti strogim ograničenjem putovanja za pet zemalja s popisa, što uključuje obveznu desetodnevnu karantenu s policijskim provjerama.
Putnici iz tih zemalja će dodatno po dolasku morati proći obvezni antigenski test, uz PCR test koji su obavili prije ukrcaja na let.
Britanski soj koronavirusa sada čini oko 80% slučajeva zaraze u Francuskoj, dok inačice prvi put identificirane u Brazilu i Južnoj Africi čine manje od 4% infekcija, rekao je prošlog tjedna ministar zdravstva Olivier Veran.
April is beat-Covid month in France as hospitalizations and infections have hit critical highs again. French President Emmanuel Macron has just announced an extension of the lockdown already in place in the Alpes Maritimes, Paris and 17 other departments to the whole of France.
Lockdown From April 3rd
The whole of France will be placed under a limited lockdown for four weeks from Saturday April 3rd. If the lockdown succeeds in reducing the infection rate and the pressure on hospitals, it is planned to end on May 2nd. Note however that restrictions have often been extended beyond the initially planned end dates.
It is a relatively flexible lockdown but the rules have been tightened somewhat.
There will be closure of certain non-essential shops (hairdressers, bookshops and music shops can remain open though) and there are stricter limits on interregional travel.
And as expected schools are to be closed.
Going Out Within 10 kms
There will be no attestation to move around during the day within a limit of 10km for these reasons: Physical exercise, walking, walking the dog (within 10 km of your home) Shopping for basic necessities, or to pick up ordered goods Accompanying children to school or out-of-school activities Visiting a cultural establishment (libraries and media libraries) or a place of worship Attending to administrative or legal formalities.
Curfew
There is a 7pm to 6am curfew.
Interregional Travel
For travelling outside a department an attestation is required stating one or more of the following reasons: For work, education and training, general interest missions Health reasons (consultations and care/treatment) Compelling family reasons, to help vulnerable or needy persons, or for childcare Transporting people with disabilities and their carers Judicial or administrative summons Moving home
Transit travel to stations and airports
According to the attestation those living close to the border of their department are allowed to travel up to 30km from their home for the above reasons.
Flexibility at Easter
President Emmanuel Macron announced that the rules on regional travel would be relaxed over Easter weekend and to allow people to change their place of residence for the duration of the new restrictions. Remote Work Emphasized
Everyone who can should work from home, although there is still an exemption for one day a week of work in the workplace for people who feel their mental health is being affected by 100 percent home-working.
School Closures
Monday, April 5th – School premises to close with a week of distance learning for infant, primary, secondary and high schools.
Monday, April 12th – The start of the two-week Easter holiday for all schools, across all areas of France
Monday, April 26th – Return of infant and primary (maternelles and primaires) classes – secondary and high schools to continue with distance learning
Monday, May 3rd – secondary and high schools return to classes.
University students on the other hand will be allowed to attend classes one day a week.
U CIJELOJ Francuskoj od danas je zabranjeno okupljanje više od šest osoba na otvorenom kako bi se pokušalo zaustaviti širenje pandemije, navelo je ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova.
Foto:BBC
Ministar Gerald Darmanin zatražio je strogu primjenu tog pravila u 16 departmana u kojima virus jako cirkulira, uključujući parišku regiju, sjever zemlje i područje Nice.
Francuzi se pozivaju na odgovornost
Te mjere mijenjaju odredbu od 19. ožujka, nakon objava premijera Jeana Castexa. Mjere se neće primjenjivati za najavljene događaje, kao ni u slučajevima brojnih obitelji te sportova na otvorenom.
Radi se o pozivanju Francuza na odgovornost, rekli su suradnici ministra Darmanina. Od predstavnika snaga reda traže da pokažu razboritost i zdrav razum.
Darmanin je također tražio od predstavnika regija da ga izvijeste o poštivanju mjera, posebice policijskog sata. Organizirane su i kontrole na kolodvorima i naplatnim postajama kako bi se ograničilo kretanje između regija.
FRANCUSKI premijer Jean Castex je naredio mjesec dana potpunog zatvaranja na razini Pariza i nekoliko drugih regija zbog ubrzanog širenja koronavirusa.
Castex je kazao kako strože mjere dolaze zbog ubrzanja širenja virusa, a dan ranije objavio je kako je Francuska ušla u treći val pandemije.
"Došao je trenutak da idemo dalje sa strožim restrikcijama tamo gdje su stvari najkritičnije", rekao je francuski premijer.
Opće zatvaranje uvodi se u 16 najteže pogođenih departmana od njih ukupno 101. Među njima su Pariz i njegovo okruženje, kao i dijelovi sjevera države.
Nove mjere stupaju na snagu u ponoć.
Škole ostaju otvorene, a stanovnicima se dopušta i vježbanje u eksterijeru u radijusu od 10 kilometara od njihovog doma. Francuzi neće smjeti putovati u druge dijelove zemlje bez valjanog razloga.
Francuska je u četvrtak imala 35 tisuća novozaraženih i 268 novih smrtnih slučajeva. Barem jednu dozu cjepiva primilo je oko 5.3 milijuna stanovnika, stoji na službenim stranicama javnog zdravstva.
FRANCUSKA aviokompanija Air France najavila je promjene na linijama Zagreb-Pariz i Dubrovnik-Pariz, javlja Croatian Aviation.
Što se tiče Zagreba, kompanija će u tjednu od 12. do 18. listopada prometovati četiri puta tjedno (ponedjeljak, utorak, srijeda, subota), dok su letovi u četvrtak, petak i nedjelju otkazani.
U tjednu od 19. do 25. listopada kompanija će prometovati pet puta tjedno (ponedjeljak, srijeda, petak, subota, nedjelja), otkazani su letovi u utorak i četvrtak.
U zadnjem tjednu listopada, od 26. do 31. listopada, kompanija će prometovati 3 puta tjedno (utorak, petak i subota), dok su letovi u srijedu i četvrtak otkazani. Niža potražnja zbog pandemije
Air France je potvrdio kako će na liniji Zagreb - Pariz prometovati u zimskim mjesecima, najavivši svakodnevne letove između dva grada, no realizacija istih ovisit će o stanju rezervacija, potražnja je i na ovoj liniji drastično niža zbog utjecaja globalne pandemije.
Što se Dubrovnika tiče, Air France će na liniji Dubrovnik - Pariz prometovati 11., 14., 17., 21. te 24. listopada. Prvotni plan kompanije je bio redovno prometovati na ovoj liniji 3 puta tjedno, petkom, subotom i nedjeljom do kraja ljetnog reda letenja, no kompanija je napravila određene izmjene i smanjila broj tjednih letova na ovoj liniji.
Ukupno će, do kraja listopada, kompanija obaviti još 5 letova na liniji Dubrovnik - Pariz, koja će zatim završiti s prometovanjem za ovu ljetnu sezonu, piše Croatian Aviation.
A group of French artists, intellectuals and politicians on Wednesday urged President Emmanuel Macron to give poets Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine, known for their stormy relationship as well as impassioned verse, the honor of a final resting place in the Pantheon in Paris.
The Pantheon is the memorial complex for France's literary luminaries such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Dumas, Hugo and Malraux as well as other great figures from culture, science and politics.
But their eternal serenity could be ruffled by the arrival of Rimbaud and Verlaine, who are hailed by critics for their innovative poetry bas well as a tempestuous relationship marked by sex, drugs and trouble with the law.
The petition is backed by culture minister Roselyne Bachelot, although she has not signed it personally, the ministry told AFP.
"It would only be right to celebrate their memory today by bringing them together to the Pantheon, alongside other great literary figures," the petition said.
The signatories include former culture minister Jack Lang, former Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoe, fashion designer Agnes b and theatre director Olivier Py.
"The fact of bringing together these two poets, who were indeed lovers, to the Pantheon would have a significance that is not only historical or literary, but deeply contemporary," said Bachelot in a statement.
Only the president can decide on moving personalities to the Pantheon, and Macron used this authority in 2018 to give Simone Veil, a former French minister who survived the Holocaust, and her husband Antoine the honour of a final resting place there.
(With AFP)
The Musée d'Orsay in Paris apologised on Wednesday after a woman claimed that the museum refused to let her in, the day before, because of her low cut dress.
Jeanne, a student in literature, sent an open letter to the Musée d'Orsay in which she explained that she was refused entry on Tuesday afternoon because of her low cut dress.
"When I arrived at the entrance of the museum. I didnt have time to get my ticket out. The sight of my breasts and my bare appearance shocks an agent in charge of the bookings control", she wrote in a Tweet posted on Tuesday.
According to her testimony, a security guard explained to her that "rules are rules". But only the health and safety rules are displayed, she wrote in her open letter.
A manager then intervened and asked her to cover herself with the jacket she was holding in her hands if she wanted to enter. She was then free to take off her jacket once she had entered.
"All this is meaningless," the student commented in her open letter.
I don't want to put my jacket on because I feel defeated, I feel obliged, I feel ashamed, I feel like everyone is looking at my breasts, I am just my breasts, I am just a woman they sexualise".
Determined to go to the museum, she finally put her jacket on her shoulders.
Musée d'Orsay apologises
A few hours after this message was published online, many internet users sent their support to the Parisian student.
The Musée d'Orsay indicated on its Twitter account that it "deeply regretted" this "incident" and that it "apologised".
In a press release, the Musée d'Orsay stated that "a reminder of the welcoming rules has been sent to the service provider at the entrances to the museum".
Visiting the Louvre for the first time can seem daunting. It’s the largest art museum on the planet, and contains everything from prehistoric statues and Egyptian sarcophagi to the world’s most famous painting – the Mona Lisa. From all the top highlights to hidden gems, this Louvre guide will give you a full idea of what to see and do at this amazing museum, as well as all the practical information you need.
What to see at the Louvre: the highlights
There are some truly unmissable things to see when visiting the Louvre. Certain works of art have become iconic for a reason. Have you ever been to a place only to miss the most crucial sights? Don’t let it happen again, and make sure you don’t accidentally miss out on some of the Louvre’s biggest highlights.
The Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci
It’s estimated that 80% of people come to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa alone. Approximately 30,000 visitors a day arrive to view this masterpiece, which can lead to some pretty big lines. As you approach the room in which it’s displayed (known as ‘the Mona Lisa room’), you’ll start noticing the crowds increase.
We’ll warn you in advance: it’s going to be busy, the painting is going to be smaller than you expect, and you won’t be able to spend an hour closely examining it. With that being said, it’s easily the most famous painting in the world, and do you really want to spend your life not seeing it?
Venus de Milo – Alexandros of Antioch
This Ancient Greek statue is generally believed to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty – who the Romans later conveniently decided was theirs, and renamed Venus. It was discovered in the ruined ancient city of Milos (hence the name) in 1820, after originally being sculpted between 130 and 100 BC.
Some scholars have a hot take, however: it’s not actually Aphrodite, but Amphitrite, a nautical goddess who was worshipped with particular devotion in Milos. In terms of iconic ancient statues, you can’t get much more famous than this one. It even inspired an episode of The Simpsons, over 2,000 years after it was originally created. Now that’s some serious cultural longevity.
Liberty Leading the People – Eugène Delacroix
There’s a reason we tend to think of ‘Lady Liberty’, and it’s not New York’s iconic green statue. This painting by Delacroix shows liberty personified as Marianne – basically the human form of the Republic of France itself.
It’s one of the earliest depictions of this now-ubiquitous concept, and was a direct inspiration for Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s famous Statue of Liberty. There’s no greater artistic representation of the French Revolution, which is also why it had such a controversial start to life.
Despite being a crowning achievement of the greatest Romantic painter of the time, it ended up spending years hidden in an attic by the government for fear of inspiring riots and – who could have predicted it – revolution. Fun fact: originally it was going to be displayed in the French throne room, as a friendly reminder to the king of what might happen if he fails to remember some core ideas like ‘liberté, égalité, fraternité’.
The Raft of the Medusa – Théodore Géricault
Displayed in close proximity to Liberty Leading the People, this iconic painting is often seen as the pinnacle of French Romanticism. Based on a true event (a shipwreck which caused the death of over 100 sailors), Théodore Géricault’s painting shows the depths of despair that the survivors – desperately clinging to a life raft – resorted to.
The Raft of the Medusa shows the effects of starvation, dehydration, and cannibalism in gruesomely realistic detail. Even more gruesome when you consider the extent to which the artist researched his topic, as he visited hospitals and morgues to study the deathly pallor of the dying and deceased in order to represent it in his work. As you might have guessed, the painting received lavish praise as well as stern condemnation upon its reception, but has since become one of the legendary staples of French art.
Winged Victory of Samothrace
As you begin to ascend the staircase, you might start hearing murmured “wow”s and the sound of camera shutters doing overtime. Why’s that? No big deal, only one of the most spectacular ancient Greek statues ever created. Winged Victory takes pride of place in the Louvre for a reason, and can be admired (and photographed) from plenty of different angles.
It depicts Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, and was most likely created to celebrate a military success. Standing almost 2.5 meters high, just over 8 feet, you can almost see the trail of wind rushing in her wake. If you’re visiting the Louvre for the highlights, this one is unmissable.
Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss – Antonio Canova
While undeniably one of the Louvre’s highlights, this intricate and complex statue by Canova could also go under ‘hidden gems’ depending on who you ask. It generally doesn’t draw the crowds that other masterpieces like the Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo do (if you’re lucky, you might even be the only one admiring it), but over the years this depiction of two mythological lovers has become emblematic of romance, passion, and devotion. The statue is intended to be viewed from several different perspectives, revealing something new every time – so make sure to walk around and take it in from multiple angles!
The Law Code of Hammurabi
This imposing basalt stele, full of ancient symbols and laws, is unmissable for anyone with an interest in the past. King Hammurabi of Babylon is one of history’s most famous rulers, and this object represents what he claimed was his divine right to rule – having received the blessing of the sun god Shamash.
It’s one of the earliest examples of a legal text, and might well have been crucial in the formalizing of written laws. Look at it and imagine how it must have felt to live thousands of years ago, seeing this huge dark monolith telling the story of how your ruler spoke to the sun god himself. Pretty sweet!
The Louvre Pyramid – I.M. Pei
Architecture can be considered a form of art, especially when it’s as spectacular as the late I.M. Pei’s pyramid. Despite the Louvre being located in a Renaissance-style palace, most people will immediately think of the glass pyramid in the courtyard. It was completed in 1989, to the great dismay of some local Parisians – many saw it as too modern, incongruous, and bizarre. Since then, even the most fervent opposition has been won over (for the most part), and the Louvre’s pyramid is now as iconic as the Eiffel Tower. The best part? You literally can’t miss it – it’s the main entrance to the museum.
What to see at the Louvre: the hidden gems
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and while paintings like the Mona Lisa generally become famous for a reason, there are plenty of incredible things in the Louvre that don’t get nearly as much attention as they deserve. Here are some lesser-known treasures for you to discover during your Louvre visit.
The medieval Louvre | Pavillon de l’Horloge
Below the first floor, you’ll find the oldest part of the Louvre, dating back to medieval times. Transport yourself back to 1190, as King Philip II prepares to leave for the Third Crusade. Scarred by his defeat to Richard Lionheart, in which he lost his sacred archives, the king realized he needed to make sure the city was safe from the English in his absence – and was likely also motivated by an earlier Viking invasion that came all-too-close to successfully conquering the French capital. The solution? Build an insurmountable castle right next to the Seine. The Louvre Castle.
Despite the hyper-modernity of the pyramid and everyone snapping selfies with the sphinx, it’s easy to feel disoriented for a second as the centuries seem to roll back while walking around here. Seeing the ancient underground walls and remnants of the castle built to defend Paris between 1190 and 1215 is a humbling experience, and makes you realize just how long this place has been around.
The Intervention of the Sabine Women – Jacques-Louis David
This 1799 painting by Jacques-Louis David isn’t one of the world’s most iconic works of art, but perhaps it should be. Imprisoned during an especially volatile period of French history full of terror, executions, and revolution, the painting was intended to encourage reconciliation and understanding, representing the triumph of love over hatred and warfare. It shows the Sabine women in the middle of the action, separating warring factions, while others scramble to rescue infants and children from the battle. As relevant today as it was back in the 18th century, it’s visually striking and open to plenty of new modern interpretations.
A Forest Floor with Snakes and Butterflies – Otto Marseus van Schrieck
Potentially the most obscure artwork in this guide, this hidden gem won’t be making many top 10 lists – but there’s a reason it’s being displayed at the Louvre. Created by Dutch painter Otto Marseus van Schrieck in 1670, the combination of snakes and butterflies hovering around the undergrowth in the woods immediately draws the eye of visitors who come across it.
The striking eyes and facial features of the serpents add an ominous undertone to this darkly coloured painting, and the contrast of beauty and darkness is enough to captivate anyone who gives it more than a passing glance.
Portrait of the Artist with a Mocking Face – Joseph Ducreux
You might not recognize Joseph Ducreux’s name, but there’s a chance you’ll recognize his face. Having risen to some prominence on the internet multiple centuries after his death, Ducreux’s entertaining self-portrait has gained a new appeal in 21st-century meme format.
Seeing it on display, you’ll understand why. Is it the cheeky grin, the powerful choice of headwear, or the 18th-century pre-cursor to finger guns? It’s hard to say for sure, but there’s something about this painting that manages to entertain everyone who sees it.
Portrait of Madame Pasteur, née Madeleine Alexandre – Antoine-Jean Gros
A mysterious female figure with unknown motivations behind what appears to be the hint of a smile. No, it’s not the Mona Lisa – it’s Madame Pasteur. This portrait was painted by the young Antoine-Jean Gros, who might well be the definition of a ‘tortured artist’.
After gaining renown based on his portraits of a young Napoleon (at this time still a mere general), Gros’s status quickly rose as he became one of France’s most admired painters. Unfortunately, his success didn’t last. Over time, his focus shifted away from Napoleon, and the public criticism of his work intensified to the point of driving him into deep depression. Gros drowned himself in the Seine aged 64.
There are several fascinating things about this painting, but the main one has to be the subject’s expression and body language. It’s neither open nor closed, mildly shy but still engaging, and the overall feeling is one of light-hearted innocence. Look at the way the woman (who commissioned the painting herself) is dressed – not in aristocratic splendour, but in a relatively simple gown. Portraits were often commissioned as a form of self-expression, so how is she trying to portray herself to the world?
One last thing: Alexandre Madeleine Pasteur was around 25 years old when this portrait of her was created. Gros was around 23. While there is no indication that their relationship was anything more than professional, look closely at the painting, and see if you can detect a glimmer of something more.
Galerie d’Apollon
This spectacular gallery, which hosts the French crown jewels, is a work of art in itself. With golden decorations and paintings from wall to ceiling, it’s visually stunning and one of the Louvre’s most genuinely gasp-inducing areas. This hall was restored at the command of Louis XIV, the Sun King, and essentially served as a prototype for the famous Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. If you can’t fit in a day trip to Versailles, visiting the Louvre and seeing this amazing gallery is the next best thing.
Henry James, the famous British-American author, visited the Galerie d’Apollon aged 13, and had the following to say: “… its supreme coved ceiling and inordinately shining parquet, a prodigious tube or tunnel through which I inhaled little by little, that is again and again, a general sense of glory. The glory meant ever so many things at once, not only beauty and art and supreme design, but history and fame and power, the world in fine raised to the richest and noblest expression.” Thanks Henry.
Boy Strangling a Goose
The last thing you might be expecting to see at the Louvre is a naked boy ferociously choking and punching a goose. That’s exactly what you’re going to see. You can basically hear the goose honking for vengeance, and the dynamism of the scene is undeniable. Just think about the fact that at some point around 2,000 years ago, a Roman sculptor devoted weeks of their life to crafting this spectacular depiction of a child fighting a bird. It’d be rude not to admire it.
It’s believed that this statue was based on an original Greek work, which was found in the ancient Asklepion (healing center) on the island of Kos. This has led some art historians to believe that the statue may be a metaphor for the struggle against disease and fevers – presumably represented here by the goose being ruthlessly pummeled. Either way, it’s one of the Louvre’s many unexpected delights.
How to get the most out of visiting the Louvre
The Louvre is massive. If you’ve never been before, imagine a very, very, very big museum. Now double that. Seriously, it’s bigger than you think. Luckily, the museum has anticipated that people might be a bit overwhelmed and has created a series of recommended routes to take.
For the quick and ambitious
If you’re interested in seeing as many top highlights in as little time as possible, try the ‘Masterpieces of the Louvre’ walking routes. There are two in total, one for the Denon Wing and one for the Sully Wing, with each lasting around 90 minutes. The first lets you see the inimitable Mona Lisa, The Raft of the Medusa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and more. The second will take you past the Louvre’s medieval history, Venus de Milo, and other ancient artifacts and artworks.
For families with kids
Parents with teenagers rejoice: museums are cool again. Jay-Z and Beyoncé filmed an exclusive music video here, and fans of either of these pop culture icons will relish the opportunity to retrace their steps throughout the museum. This is exactly why the Louvre has its own designated walking trail devoted to the Carters. Spend 90 minutes admiring some of the artworks featured in the video, including The Intervention of the Sabine Women, The Coronation of Napoleon, and – of course – the Mona Lisa.
For the art aficionado
Honestly, you could spend days wandering around the Louvre. And that’s exactly what you should do if you’re seriously into art. Divide your visit up into two separate days, and plan out what you want to see in advance. Whether it’s a deep-dive into the Italian Renaissance or an exploration of Egyptian funerary art, the Louvre has you covered. Alternatively, spend one day making sure you get to see the highlights, and return again to do some further exploration of lesser-known gems like the ones mentioned above. This way you’ll get a comprehensive overview of the art and artists at the Louvre.
Practical information about visiting the Louvre
On the first Saturday of each month, the museum is open from 18:00 to 21:45, and admission is free.
Getting there
The Louvre is easy to get to. Plenty of metro services and buses go towards it, and it’s basically in the heart of Paris. The closest metro stations are Louvre Rivoli and Palais Royal Musée du Louvre, which are both on Line 1, also known as the Yellow Line. You can also take a scenic boat cruise along the Seine and hop off near the Louvre! If you’re coming from Gare du Nord, it’s even possible to walk – it’ll take around 35 minutes, depending on your speed and motivation. Choose whichever option works best for you.
Getting in
Here’s an understatement: a lot of people want to visit the Louvre at the same time as you. While you can’t control the crowds, you can still guarantee getting access to the museum smoothly and easily. How? By booking a designated time slot. This means you A) avoid the gigantic line of non-ticket holders, and B) know for a fact that you’ll get in around a certain time. It’s as easy as showing your smartphone ticket to the attendant, waiting for them to say “OK, merci” and walking into the iconic pyramid.
Here’s another understatement: the Louvre is big and it’s pretty easy to get lost. Make sure you download a map on your phone for easy reference (or grab a physical one at the start), or you will become one of the many lost-looking people trying to track where they are. In case you don’t like taking advice from the internet, there are also diagrams around the museum that will tell you where you are.
Every room in the museum is numbered, making navigation slightly easier. If you know there’s a sculpture you want to see in room 703, look at what room number you’re in currently. Is it 701? Great, you’re close, just keep going. Is it 305? Something has gone horribly wrong. Time to consult that map.
Getting tired
This is something you want to avoid. Travel light, wear comfortable shoes, and bring some water. You’re going to spend a good couple of hours on your feet, and those ancient Roman sculptures start looking less noble and more vindictive as you get increasingly tired. Don’t hesitate to sit down, take a break, and look at the art around you. That’s what all the benches are for!
What to add to your Paris agenda
Visiting the Louvre is a Paris must-do, but it’s certainly not the only one. For more museums, try out the nearby Musee d’Orsay or Musee l’Orangerie – both filled to the brim with Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and Cezanne.
If you’re all done with art after spending a few hours at the world’s biggest museum, try some other local landmarks. The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are two of the most iconic buildings in the world, and they’re waiting patiently for you to take pictures of them. Once the museums have closed for the day, it’s also worth checking out a racy Parisian cabaret show in the evening – culture has never been so exciting! But no matter what else you’re planning to do in Paris, the Louvre is a great place to start.
Wanting to visit the Louvre? Make sure you book your Louvre tickets for a specific time slot in advance, and get into the museum with minimal fuss. If you’re overwhelmed at the amount of things to see, try a guided tour of the Louvre’s highlights to take the pressure off.
